Larry's Posts

Yesterday was my two year anniversary of my SAVR aortic valve replacement and aortic aneurysm repair at the University of Wisconsin hospital in Madison, WI. I've lost 55 pounds (on purpose!) and am chasing grand-kids and riding my motorcycles. Thanks again to this community for getting me through my surgery and recovery!

Hello my friends- Time for me to report on my one year anniversary of my aortic valve replacement and aortic aneurysm repair (done at the University Hospital in Madison, WI). I just had my 1yr echocardiogram, and the Edwards Inspiris bovine valve is doing fine. A couple of other surprises, however - left atrium is severely dilated (was moderately dilated a year ago) and my ejection fraction has decreased from 65% to 55% (which I understand is still in the normal range). My PA-C says neither issue is something we need to treat - dilation of left atrium can be a result of many factors (age, blood pressure, genetics, afib, etc). I see the cardiologist in April. So- here are a few things that I have experienced in the year following my surgery: 1) Sleep continues to be a different adventure - after sleeping in a recliner for a couple of months following surgery, my body has decided it likes recliners better than beds. I used to be a side sleeper, and that doesn't seem to work well any more, and I have trouble falling asleep on my back. I go back and forth, and traveling is harder than it used to be with strange beds. 2) The ten weeks of not using my upper body muscles exacerbated a lower back problem and I have struggled with some periods of significant sciatica and piriformis nerve pain. Chiropractic did not help, but I began treatment with an osteopathic doctor (MD) and she helped me immensely. She said the lower back spinal issue gets the muscles around it all fired up and tense, and they cause the nerve pain. She does OMT (osteopathic manipulation treatments) to get the spine, pelvis, and hip joints aligned properly and to increase range of motion. Right now I'm good, and doing lots of stretching each morning. 3) Otherwise, energy is good and I'm able to walk 3-4 miles without stopping if my back behaves. Chasing my twin 4yo granddaughters around is a great joy. Thank you all for the community you have built here! Larry (Lars) Peterson P.S. The attached photo was taken on a recent trip to San Diego - Wisconsin does not look like this in November...